Page 11 - Kwasind July 2020 issue

JULY 2020
Sailing Office News
Tommy Wharton, Director of Sailing
SAILING • 11
Paul Currie in his single-handed VX Evo. Photo Credit: Violet Stafford
Witnessing the physical transformation of the Island during the “Summer of COVID-19” has been incredible. As of the writing of this article in the middle of June we have over
200 boats launched to date (including a flawless big boat launch at city side), have over 220 registrations by young sailors for Junior Club, and have seen the number of people visiting the Island on weekends rise from approximately
150 on average in May to a high of 267 in June. All this under COVID-19 safety protocols and a complex pontoon boat booking system as we patiently wait for Transport Canada restrictions to be lifted on our dear Hiawatha
and Kwasind. It has been an impressive Staff and Member collective effort to make this all happen. Many people have commented that coming to the Island has impacted them on emotional and psychological level, and this is especially true after weeks/months of isolation and rigid “social distancing”. The last few weeks have taught me that we truly have one of the most impressive yacht clubs in the world and not even a pandemic can hold us back.
Once people hit the water and go sailing the smiles
have never been as big. The easing up of Provincial restrictions has allowed recreational boating to transition from household only and in groups of under five to “social circles” of up to ten. It has been great to see the number of boats going out sailing in the harbour or out on the lake. We have had our Youth Racing Team members training under COVID-19 regulations mandated by Ontario Sailing and
we have very much welcomed hosting their Ontario Sailing Team members training on the Island side by side with our Race Teams. With no organized regattas on the horizon as we wait for lifted restrictions, this is a great opportunity this summer for all Youth Sailors and Club Members to focus
on fundamentals and to also enjoy the camaraderie and unique environment that is the Island. On that note as well, stay posted on future communications as it relates to the options of personal coaching and family sailing run out of the RCYC Junior Club. We have a robust fleet of Junior Club boats and the Sailing Office is planning on making boats available for rent on the weekend for families to use now that shared equipment has been permitted. There are also great options like other Club owned boats like the Ideal
18 fleet. Please inquire at the RCYC Sailing Office or email sailing@rcyc.ca for further information on some of these fantastic options to get you out on the water.
Organized or competitive racing has yet to be permitted by the Provincial Government. This means a delay to Midweek Racing, TGIF events, and any Regattas. This does not mean they will not happen, just not yet. We can get creative with ways to compete without a dedicated Race Committee or course lay out, as many sailors have been finding innovative ideas like tracking times around the Island. Without a doubt once restrictions are lifted we will be assembling our Sailing Office staff and working closely with the RCYC Race Management Team and we will be ready to mobilize and run races and events. I said in my
last issue that we will be sailing this season. I am confident that there will be racing as well. The Club is open, the water is warming up, the breeze has been fantastic, and I have heard that the burgers served by Chef’s team are fantastic. I hope to see you on the Island and on the water very soon.